A Musical Meditation on the Ego Self and the Divine Self

Torah Tuesday in (exactly) 100 words + 1 song

Jul 08, 2025

When the prophet Balaam sees the Israelites’ encampment in the wilderness, it is said that God’s spirit comes over him and he exclaims, “How good are your tents, Ya’akov; your dwelling places, Yisra’el.” This sentence may seem redundant, since “Ya’akov” and “Yisra’el” refer to the same community. But in the mystical tradition, these two names reflect different dimensions of our being: “Ya’akov” refers to our ego self, while “Yisra’el” (God-wrestler) refers to our expanded consciousness/ divine Self. In this text, both are declared “so good.” If you want the whole human experience in this lifetime here on earth, celebrate both.

This sentence from Balaam became the central part of the Hebrew liturgical prayer “Mah Tovu” (How Good). I’m sharing with you my musical setting of this prayer (feel free to use this, share it, and play it yourself, with attribution):

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Every Tuesday I offer a reflection on the Torah portion of the week -- in 100 words, of course. This week’s Torah portion is Balak, in the book of Numbers. It features all kinds of interesting things, including a talking donkey who recognizes an angel when his rider cannot! Please share, comment, and join the conversation!

Mah Tovu translation

Refrain:
How good are your tents, Jacob (Ya’akov).
How good are your dwelling places, Israel (Yisra’el).
First verse:
As for me, in your great loving-kindness
I will come into your house.
I will bow down to your holy temple
In awe of you.
Second verse:
As for me, may my prayer come to you, God,
At a time of favor.
God, in your great loving-kindness
Answer me with your true salvation.